Around Town

Some Watertown Organizations to Donate to on #GivingTuesday

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Nov. 30, 2021 is Giving Tuesday, a day when people are encouraged to donate to groups and organizations doing work to help the community. Here are some local groups to consider supporting. Watertown Boys & Girls Club

The Watertown Boys & Girls Club received a donation of a $1,000 from PhPMA and it has been requested that this donation be used as a matching gift In Memory Of Billy O’Brien, a longtime Club member and Watertown resident. Our goal for this event is to match the $1,000 in Memory of Billy O’Brien.

Government

City Council Sets its Budget Policy Guidelines for Next Year’s Budget

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The Council’s priorities for next year’s budget have been approved, including supporting the school building projects, improving streets and sidewalks, and a study of Watertown’s Personnel Department. The Budget Priority Guidelines for the Fiscal Year 2023 were approved unanimously at the Nov. 23 Council meeting. The Council’s Budget & Fiscal Oversight Committee reviewed the proposed guidelines submitted by Councilors and voted on which to add to the list of guidelines. Other items were considered were not approved.

Entertainment

Mosesian Center Hosting Holiday Classic — Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”

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Dick Terhune stars in “A Christmas Carol” at the Mosesian Center for the Arts. The following information was provided by Mosesian Center for the Arts:

The first theatrical production of A Christmas Carol took place in London just six weeks after the story’s publication in 1843. In 1853, Dickens began to perform the story himself, playing each character without individual props or costumes for each role. In a performance at Mosesian Arts this week, actor Dick Terhune returns to the origins of this holiday tale with a solo turn inspired by Charles Dickens himself. Terhune’s solo performance has been called “mesmerizing … breathtaking … brilliant … unforgettable … a wonder to behold.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Shoplifter Caught With Bag Full of Merchandise, Catalytic Converter Stolen

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrest

Nov. 16, 1:02 p.m.: Security at Home Depot spotted a man put multiple items into a duffle bag and walk out of the store. Police were given a description and they located a man fitting the description near the parking garage near Home Depot. He had a duffle bag with items from Home Depot.

Around Town

More Than 1,000 Come Out for 16th Annual Donohue’s Turkey Trot, See Photos from the Race

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Charlie BreitroseRunners head off on the 5K course during the 2021 Donohue’s Turkey Trot. More than 1,000 people joined in the 16th annual Donohue’s Bar & Grill Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, an event that raised money for the Watertown Boys & Girls Club. Charlie BreitroseMany of the more than 1,000 participants dressed up for the Donohue’s Turkey Trot. Some serious runners came suited up in their running gear, while others donned turkey headwear or costumes. Charlie BreitroseA hat fitting for the occasion worn by one of the runners.

Sports

Watertown Feasts on Belmont During Shutout Win in the Thanksgiving Game

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown senior Nathan Master celebrates after the Raiders defense stopped Belmont during the Thanksgiving Game. Senior Mason Andrade set the tone for Watertown by pancaking a Belmont blocker on the opening kickoff of the annual Thanksgiving Day football game. The Raiders continued to pound the Marauders all game, emerging with a 25-0 win over their rivals. Watertown improved to 7-4, winning four of their last five games, and snapped a two-game losing streak to Belmont. The game was not played last year.

Government

Council Upset That Property Taxes Will Rise Despite Big Increases in Commercial & Industrial Tax Revenue

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Watertown Assessor Earl Smith had some good news for the City Council Tuesday night that new development has brought in several million in new tax dollars. However, what stood out most was the bad news that he had for homeowners — a property tax increase for Fiscal Year 2022. The new life science developments in Watertown will bring in millions of dollars of new tax revenue for the City but due to the restrictions of the state law regarding shifting the tax burden away from residential properties, the average residential tax bill will rise by $287 or 4.3 percent, Smith said. The total tax levy for the City of Watertown in Fiscal Year 2022 will be $134.4 million, Smith said. The increase would have been more if the Council did not approve an increase in the amount of the Residential Exemption, given to owner-occupied properties.

Government

Council to Decide on Watertown Property Tax Rates at Meeting Tuesday

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Charlie Breitrose

Tuesday night, the City Council will hear the tax rate presentation from the Town Assessor, and recommendations for tax breaks for residential properties and owner-occupied homes. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the Council Chamber in City Hall, 149 Main St. It will also be broadcast on Watertown Cable Access’s Government Channel (Comcast Channel 9, RCN Channel 13, and on wcatv.org). On Tuesday, Chair of the Board of Assessors Earl Smith will present the Fiscal Year 2022 Tax Classification Hearing to the Council. The members of the Council will then decide on the rate, and on ways to ease the burden on residential property owners.